Tomorrow...it's only 4 days away

Yeah, yeah, I promised an update, so an update you will get. Pictures, however, are a different story.

Let's see, career-wise, things are fantastic. I don't think I've ever put "career" and "fantastic" in the same sentence ever before. I work for Buzznet as a web producer for Pacific Coast News, a paparazzi agency. So I'm again back in the world of celebrity journalism - kinda like my days at Planet Hollywood, but I don't have to kiss Sly or Bruce's ass anymore, which is a definite plus. I'm also still writing the recaps for Recapist, so with all of the writing I'm doing, I rarely have time for recreational writing anymore, which is kind of a pity, as I finally got inspired and have a great idea for a book. I guess that's what retirement is for, hmm?

In other news, Paul and I just celebrated our third anniversary on March 3rd, which is a big deal for me. After the first go-round, I would have never believed I'd be married ever again, let alone for 3 whole years. Yay, me. And a big yay to Paul, of course. Paul and I went to Hawaii just last month and Paul came to cheer me on for my third Walt Disney World Half Marathon in January. If I can photoshop myself slim enough, I'll put those pics up soon.

Ummm...I finally saw Van Halen last month as well as Barry Manilow - a concert to which I won a trip to Vegas to see him again. How come that never happens at a Peter Frampton show? I know there's been some other stuff I wanted to write about, but I get a free moment and everything just gets forgotten. I will re-collect my (non) thoughts and post more soon!

Enough Already

Yes, I truly suck. It has been entirely too long since I've updated this blog. Since I spend all day writing about celebrities and trying to be witty, this blog has taken a back seat to my work (don't even get me started on the Frampton blog!)Sooo, in an attempt to get back on the horse, here's a coupla videos from the YouTube.

First off is the first sketch from Mike Nesmith's "Elephant Parts." I cannot tell you how many times I watched this when I was a kid. I loved the Monkees so much and I thought Nesmith was a genius. A lot of it is pretty dated, but this still cracks me up. Enjoy.

The next clip I was SO happy to finally find. It's Steve Martin doing a parody of the "Billie Jean" video. I love that his wig of Michael Jackson curls is white. This sketch made my grandfather laugh so hard, he was crying.

I promise to put up a uber update tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

Hey, it's time for the yearly, never-kept but always listed resolutions! Somehow, in my tiny mind, if I write these down, I'll be more apt to stick to them. Who knows - at least I'm posting on my blog (resolution #1) and I'll try to keep up with my Frampton website a little better in '08, as I am revamping the whole thing (resolution #2.)

I vow to kick ass and take names with Buzznet (resolution #3) and learn a thing or two about time management (resolution #4). I'm going down to one big race per year (WDW half), so I need to train and lose a coupla lbs. (resolution #5) - to that end, I'm going back to a pesca-vegetarian lifestyle (resoultion #6.) As I eat more healthy food, I am going to finally take the hand off my heart and recycle (resolution #7.) I need to make more time for church (#8) and hubby (#9) and, as cliche as it sounds, I really need to get in touch with my feelings, and everything that entails (big #10!)

So, merry new year everybody - 2008 looks to be an awesome year!

Merry Christmas!

I ask you, what says "Merry Christmas" better than Fishbone? Enjoy!

Dumb-ass Video of the Day

Sugar's phone's been ringing off the hook with job offers (when it rains, it pours around here) so, appropos of absolutely nothing, except a random thought during a series of late-night Googling, I bring you this...

Guess I have to 'splain. The movie "Hot Stuff" came out in the late 70s, and was one of the first "PG" movies I ever saw (with my Dad...hi, Dad!) For whatever reason, it never came out on DVD, so I have an awful VHS dub off some cable network as my only reminder of it. It was set in (and filmed in) my (then) hometown of Miami and had Jerry Reed (who always reminded me of my Uncle Larry) in it. If you know me, 'nuff said. If you don't, you're probably scratching your head right about now. Suffice it to say, YouTube has brought me yet another wonderful trip down memory lane!

A Saturday Diversion

I so wish I could take credit for finding this, but I saw it on "Ellen" one day when I was at the gym. (Since I'm currently a "lady of leisure", a nice way of saying "unemployed", I can arrange my training sessions for my January race to coincide with some of my favorite TV shows. I have been scheduling my gym time so I can watch the new "Price is Right" with Drew Carey - who I am strangely attracted to. The next time I am in California, I am SO going on that show! But, I digress..) So, anyway, when we were in Japan, I never got to see this show, and it's just as well, as I'd probably never leave the room. Behold...Brain Wall...

I defy you not to laugh. This and a cho-hui...heaven!

Yay!

I know this is interesting to no one else but me, but the Spice Girls are back! If I weren't unemployed, I'd so be there for their reunion tour, but they are paying nowhere near Florida - and dammit, Geri, you owe me one (as I was the oldest "fan" at the Spice Girls concert in Atlanta back in in '98!) So, as long as it's on YouTube, here's their new video...

Ginger, I beg you, pleeeeease come down to see me!

Coming Soon...

Yes, these people are bringing a new child into the world! Congrats to one of my bestest buddies, Carrie and her hubby Jeff as they are pregnant! (Well, actually Carrie's doing all of the "heavy lifting.") And, for those of you who were wondering, I'm still quite content with Boo - although P. and I are thinking of using this picture to send out at Christmas, just to confuse people...

That's our niece, in case you're wondering (and it explains how she could be P.'s kid. My mother is passing this off as her granddaughter, I can assure you of that!) This week, I promise tales from California and Wine Fest!

Nothing to See Here...

Well, everything's still kinda same-old, same-old in my "exciting" life. I may have a lead on a very cool job, but I'm not at liberty to say right now. I went to Long Island, New York this past weekend with P. (who's in the middle of the "Road Trip from Hell".) There was much fishing (I actually impressed P.'s friend Andy, a professional angler, with my mad fishing skillz), eating (probably too much eating) and drinking (I even, inadvertedly, ordered a Long Island Iced Tea!) P. introduced his friends to his "trademark shot", the Backdraft. A splendid time was had by all.

This weekend is Wine Fest, and I promise a thorough report, and photos up until the point where everything gets blurry! More later!

Welfare Mama

Yep, I'm sucking on the gub'ment teat right now, which sucks. Big time. Today I had to go to the unemployment office (optimistically called the "One Stop Career Center" or something close to that) for "orientation" (sounded scary). What a waste of time - at least it was only 30 minutes. One of the gals crammed in the teeny office with me actually took a phone call while the lady in charge was talking to us. That's cojones. So, I'm still unemployed and looking!

Wednesday's post (in yo' face, Rose!)

I have been writing up a storm today (if you missed House or Biggest Loser last night, head on over to the Recapist to see my (really lengthy) recaps.) I had a total "I could kick myself" moment last night. I saw the incredible Henry Rollins last night at a teeny, tiny theater in West Palm. I was parked directly behind his tour bus, which I thought was weird. Henry, as always, delivered a solid 2 hours and 45 minutes of smart humor (which is such a turn-on. I love his adventurous spirit and intellect. He was totally on-point last night.) As I was leaving, I saw a crowd assembled around his tour bus. Thinking, "He'll never come out.", I got in my car and proceeded to leave, which is the moment I saw the man himself emerge from the stage door. But, since I had: a.) no camera and b.) none of his books on hand, I decided not to look like a complete dork and try to re-park the car. I'm sure I would have said something equally as stupid as what I said when I met a comic idol, Eric Idle, when I worked at Universal, "You're my favorite Monty Python guy!" (And I said that completely sober. Honest.) I think "You're my favorite Henry Rollins guy" may have gotten me a place in his act, but I'm sure he was happy to have one less hand to shake. I did it for you, Henry...just remember this for the next time you go on tour, 'cause I'll be armed. Camera, books, photos...I'll have 'em all!

Tales of Unemployment

In keeping with my promise, I'm making my daily contribution, but I'm keeping it short as I am actually working on some writing work AND I'm going to see Henry Rollins tonight (yay!) and still have to get ready.

Let me just say that being (basically) unemployed sucks. I know I'm gaining weight, I have logged countless hours of viewing "The People's Court", "Judge Mathis" and "Judge Judy" and surfing the Internet (not only to see the same 15 jobs I've either applied for and never heard back from or am terribly unqualified for, but to check out the latest in celebrity gossip. Yikes.) I've applied for 20 jobs so far and haven't gotten one phone call. Sad, really. At least I did get a nice writing gig at the Florida Catholic (which is what I'm working on today) and I've had ample time for my recaps (which is also good.) Oh well, hopefully opportunity will come a-knockin' soon!

A promise to myself - and a little Gaffigan for good measure

Ok. Enough is enough. I have to, have to get going with this blogging thing again. I am making a promise to myself to post something, no matter how trivial, every day (here and on Frampton for My 40th.) I'm going to start with a hilarious email I got from one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan:

Reasons Why I'm Glad Summer is Over

No more sunscreen:
For pale people like myself, putting on sunscreen is no simple task. It's a chore. Once when my wife and I were on vacation, she said she was going to the beach and I told her I would meet her down there after I put on sunscreen. I actually got down to the beach a year later. True story. During the summer pale people also have to make sure they get everything covered in that greasy goo. I always miss a place and have a pink smudge tattoo for a week. Or just my ears are sunburned. Very attractive.

No More Legs:
The shorts get put away. Believe me, you don't want to see my legs. Hell, I don't want to see my legs. When I wear shorts people look at me like, "Hey, I'm trying to eat here and you've got those sausage legs". Fair enough. But frankly, I don't want to see your legs either. First of all most legs are just as bad as mine. And the ladies with the really nice legs? Excuse me, I'm trying to concentrate on being a good husband and you are taunting me as you casually walk by on your cell phone filling my head with impure thoughts. How dare you, Madam!

No more outdoors:
During the summer there is way too much pressure to do things outside. "It's sunny. We should do something outside!" Hey I've been outside. It's not that great. Outdoor activities always tend to interrupt my napping and watching of Law & Order marathons.

No more crocs:
Somewhere along the way this summer, adult men decided they would look good in those shoes obviously designed for toddlers or Martha Stewart. They were wrong and unfortunately it will take a change of season to get the dorks out of these garish eyesores. Maybe when it's a little chillier we won't have to be subjected to the 40-year-old guy in purple Crocs. Unfortunately, we are now entering "the men in clogs" part of the year, immediately followed by the even more upsetting "Men in Uggs" season. Ugg! I don't care if "They're comfy". You look like you robbed a teenage girl.

Nothing gets done during the summer:
I don't care what business you are in, everyone seems to view summer as a three-month vacation. The prevailing attitude seems to be "Well it's summer so I'm not gonna do any work". In the entertainment business it's even worse. All summer I seem to hear, "I'm going on vacation and then my boss is going on vacation, so I'll give you an answer in November."

More Bacon:
Now that summer is over I can finally enjoy eating tons of bacon.
Sure I always eat a lot of bacon, but during the fall it seems to tastes better. Let's be honest, bacon is more enjoyable to eat in a sweatshirt than in a bikini. Maybe that's just me. Boy, do I love me some bacon.

Back to Sugar: See, now wasn't that easy? More to come, I promise!

Sad News

Morning anchor Tom Schaad confirms that he is leaving WESH-Channel 2 in October after nearly 12 years there.

He is looking for another job but doesn't have "anything in stone." And he is diplomatic about leaving.

"That's the TV business," he says. "We all understand that. They make changes to accommodate the viewer. You have to abide by that. It's one of the things you accept when you become an anchor."

He is upbeat about those dozen years at the NBC affiliate. His morning newscast usually ran second to the one on WFTV-Channel 9.

"It's a good stint at a television station," Schaad says. "I love Central Florida. The viewers have been so kind. With all the choices you have in morning news, to do as well as we've done, I'm proud of that."

Let me be the first to say that visiting Orlando will definitely not be the same after Tom departs. A little expositon here, (and a BIG disclaimer) I had a huge crush on Tom when I was working at WESH oh, so many years ago. I regard him as a great friend and know that wherever he ends up, he's going to be a huge success. I hoist a big, P.F. Chang lettuce wrap to you, Tom!

Update

I'm still alive, just kind of unemployed right now. I promise updates real soon, including a full recap of "Christine's California Adventure". Will write (anything) for food, electricity, dog bones, etc!

I'm back...well, sort of....

Well kids, I'm off to California for my 4th half marathon. Yes, I'm insane. When I return, I promise a full update - unemployment, house sellings and details on my California Adventure (since I kinda have that kind of time now.) In the meantime, enjoy the clip that has me completely in love with "Flight of the Conchords on HBO....

How I Spent My Summer Vacation, part 1

Well, I finally got off my dead and dying and decided to upload a few photos. Now you can see what I've been up to this summer (so far). First off (and most importantly), my li'l sis got married. Here's a pic of the happy couple trying to navigate the whole intertwined wine glass toast thingy...

Love ya sis and Stan! Another activity that's been making the summer of '07 lots of fun are Sundays at "The Cove" with Justin, Michelle and the gang. It's basically an excuse to get some sun and enjoy some adult beverages. here we are this past Sunday. And before you say it, yes, I will be sending this picture to VH-1 the next time they're casting for "Rock of Love"...

Yee-haw! Last, but not least, I finally got to meet one of my favorite comedians, Harland Williams (the "six second ab" guy from "There's Something About Mary", but more importantly Roberta from my new favorite cult classic "Sorority Boys.") We saw him at the Improv, and he was more than happy to sign my DVD copy of "Boys" and pose for a photo. Whatta guy!

Well, I feel like I've accomplished something...now, onto my resume!

I Can Feel Myself Getting Dumber...

I am losing it. I have managed to find a job more tedious than answering dumb questions for the soft drink company. If I have to write one more description for an ugly and/or overpriced lamp or candleholder, I may have to strangle someone. I need a thesaurus. I've pretty much spent "elegant", "decorative", "ornate" and "contemporary". Yuck. So, when I feel I have hit rock bottom, when I feel like there's no light at the end of this sad, home decor tunnel, I resort to things like this...

Yes, that's the Village People. This was my favorite part of their awful movie "Can't Stop the Music" (of course it's in my notorious "bad movie collection".) It's a commercial they made for milk - in the flick they did it for money so they could record a demo and make it big. Which they did, of course. Longest. Commercial. Ever. I am a big enough person to admit that I have this song on my i-Pod, and it's a favorite. Go ahead, listen to it again. And think of me, right brain deteriorating at a rapid pace.

Why I Miss Working in Television

I'm taking a walk down memory lane today. Actually, I'm procrastinating. For those of you who have randomly stumbled upon this page and don't know me, I spent quite a few years working in television production. I worked at WESH in Orlando (Hi Tom!) for a number of years and worked in the control room at CNN for one tumultuous year. (I'm going to write about it sometime. I promise. I have tons of stories!) So, imagine my delight at seeing blooper reels from CNN on the YouTube. This first one has some clips from other networks on it, but at 2:16 in, you will see a sight I enjoyed every day at the Chicken Noodle Network (oh, by the way Hi Rock and Gene!), that of Lou Watters making his daily contribution to the destruction of the ozone layer. Enjoy...

These reels have the control room track on them, so I can reminisce about directors losing their minds and making various smart ass remarks. There's lots of this on the next clip as well as a prank call to Larry King. I used to work on that show and was able to catch a few pranksters before they got on the air (I was the only one who had really heard Howard Stern, so I was a hero!) Again, enjoy...

Aahhh, the good ol' days!

Ok, if someone can tell me why I can't type in the title field anymore, I'd be eternally grateful. So anyway, I have been busting my tush at work, slaving away at the computer for 10 hours a day, trying to get the site up and running, so that's why I've been neglectful of my beloved blogs. P. will be traveling quite a bit these next few weeks for his job, so I'm hoping to post more.

I have finally designed this year's EPCOT Wine Fest shirt (we're going the weekend of October 13th, if anyone's interested...) In keeping with my very Frampton-centric life of late, you may (or may not) appreciate this...

Front:

Back:

I'm quite proud of this year's design and can't wait for October! Join us if you can!